"Amazing, no?" The voice of Duke Thalion rang out through the space as Ryuk nodded his head silently. Right now, he was peering outside the car's window, the cityscape of Grade B unfolding like a dream painted in surreal colors.
The most eye-catching features were the skyscrapers that almost scraped the skies, their gleaming glass facades adorned with holographic displays pulsing with vibrant advertisements and news updates.
Hovering drones buzzed between the buildings, delivering packages to some of the skyscrapers and smaller homes on the outskirts.
At an especially large skyscraper, whose entire glass surface rippled with advertisements, the names of the Ten Families and various images of them were prominently displayed, proving to Ryuk the massive influence they held over Grade B.
Passing right beside them were futuristic cars gliding along neon-lit lanes.
Some vehicles hovered mere inches off the ground, their engines humming with red energy underneath, while others soared through the air, weaving between skyscrapers like birds.
Ryuk felt the energy and immediately recognized it.
'They've found a way to merge Apex energy with their technology. That's impressive...' he thought.
Given his past involvement with technological materials and his Uncle Bob's role as one of the City's robotic part doctors—creating robotic arms for hunters who'd lost theirs—Ryuk knew a little about prosthetics.
But his uncle's creations were simple, just steel and metal bolted together with wires.
The technology here, however, had undergone a significant evolution, seamlessly merging with Apex energy.
The result of such genius innovation was nothing short of extraordinary.
On the sidewalks at the far corner of his vision was a mix of commotion and chaos.
Children zipped past on rocket-powered skateboards, their laughter and shouts echoing as they weaved recklessly through pedestrians.
Surprisingly, the adults barely reacted, continuing their way with focused expressions, glued to their holographic devices.
'They must trust the kids' skills—or perhaps they don't value their lives enough to worry about breaking their backbones,' Ryuk mused wryly.
There were groups of teenagers decked out in rocket shoes, launching themselves into the air with ease and performing various stunts.
They seemed to be competing to see who could jump higher or move faster.
In certain areas, massive mansions floated on elevated platforms, surrounded by shimmering force fields and glowing gardens.
Well-dressed individuals moved in and out of these estates, laughing loudly and exchanging handshakes.
Yet Ryuk could sense a faint buzzing energy around these seemingly sophisticated people, an aura of power radiating from their constant yet subtle release of Apex energy.
Although it was being suppressed, he could only imagine the chaos that would erupt if they let their energy flow unchecked.
People here are strong. Very strong.
Even the speed at which the kids maneuvered their flying gadgets was insane to Ryuk. Some were moving so fast his eyes couldn't keep up, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
The entire atmosphere hummed with Apex energy, a constant reminder of the power saturating this city.
The scene before him was so advanced and otherworldly that it would be foolish to even compare it to Grade E.
"You see the difference, bumpkin? This is a Grade B city!" Vilora said, nudging Ryuk's rib with her elbow.
The small gesture made Ryuk wince slightly, shifting a few inches away from her. But his reaction only seemed to amuse her further.
She leaned closer, her elongated fangs flashing through a sinister smile that screamed, 'I won't let you rest without making you feel inferior, you scumbag.'
Duke Thalion, on the other hand, seemed preoccupied with a book he was reading, his serious expression revealing his focus. It was almost as if he didn't exist in the space anymore.
Ryuk sighed inwardly. Stuck with this damn vampire girl, he had no choice but to nod and reply, "It truly is very different from Grade E."
"Hmph, at least you've got some decent eyes," Vilora said, finally leaning back and giving Ryuk a moment of peace.
Ryuk turned his focus back to the sights outside.
While the architectural designs and technological advancements amazed him, what truly took his breath away were the people themselves.
People of every race roamed the streets—Elves with glowing eyes, Werewolves in human form (easily identifiable by their hairy and muscular bodies), and Vampires draped in elegant attire with crimson accents.
Ryuk also spotted a few Naga, their serpentine lower halves gliding gracefully along specially designed paths. Even Giantkin were present, towering nearly three times the size of those around them, casually browsing store fronts.
Occasionally, his gaze caught vendors selling everything from Apex energy artifacts to exotic pets that hissed and growled from within their cages.
Grade B was truly a realm of wonder and ambition—a place where opportunity and danger intertwined with every breath. It was a place where one could either rise and make a name for themselves or perish, consumed by the chaos of it all.
"We're here, Duke Thalion," the driver announced.
"The Eclipsed Citadel," Duke Thalion said.